Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast

Round Rock Studio

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

  1. 79. Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO

    Jun 23

    79. Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO

    What does it take to go from an entry-level position to CEO? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kim Pollok, CEO of SWBC Payroll & HR, to discuss her remarkable journey from helping employees through a company shutdown to leading one of the region’s premier payroll and HR organizations. Kim shares powerful lessons on leadership, mentorship, workplace culture, managing multiple generations in today’s workforce, and navigating the rapid rise of AI in business. She also reveals one of the most impactful pieces of advice she ever received: “Stop letting people give you dead birds.” From building a successful career without a college degree to becoming a trusted leader and mentor, Kim’s story is filled with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals at every stage of their careers. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How saying “yes” created unexpected opportunities throughout Kim’s career✅ The importance of mentorship and how to find the right mentors✅ Why relationships remain the foundation of business success in an AI-driven world✅ How employers can better understand and motivate multiple generations of employees✅ What employees value most in today’s workplace✅ How SWBC is thoughtfully adopting AI while protecting sensitive data✅ Why Round Rock continues to be one of the strongest business communities in Texas Whether you're growing a company, leading a team, or looking to advance your own career, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Learn more about SWBC Payroll & HR: https://www.swbcpeo.com #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #KimPollok #SWBC #Leadership #HumanResources #Payroll #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AI #WorkplaceCulture #RoundRockTX Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    24 min
  2. 78. Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative

    Jun 16

    78. Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative

    What does it take to go from a lifelong Round Rock resident to serving your community at the Texas Capitol? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Caroline Harris Davila to discuss growing up in Round Rock, the values that shaped her leadership, and why community involvement matters more than ever. Caroline shares the story of how she unexpectedly entered public service at just 27 years old, the lessons she learned overcoming her fear of public speaking, and why helping neighbors remains at the heart of everything she does. Topics include: Growing up in Round RockCommunity leadership and serviceFaith, family, and civic engagementSupporting nonprofits and local organizationsYoung people in public serviceHousing affordability and workforce opportunitiesBuilding confidence and overcoming fearWhy relationships matter in leadershipWhether you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, community building, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    30 min
  3. 77. Geneva Walker | Widowed with 3 Boys: Turning Tragedy into Purpose and Resilience

    Jun 9

    77. Geneva Walker | Widowed with 3 Boys: Turning Tragedy into Purpose and Resilience

    What happens when life changes in an instant? In this heartfelt episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Geneva, founder of Victorious Walk Counseling, TEDx speaker, professional counselor, and EMDR practitioner, to discuss grief, resilience, healing, and the courage to keep moving forward after unimaginable loss. After losing her husband unexpectedly and becoming a widowed mother of three boys, Geneva discovered that grief and growth are not opposites—they can exist together. She shares powerful insights on: ✅ Holding grief and joy at the same time ✅ Raising resilient children after loss ✅ Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness ✅ The connection between purpose and healing ✅ How EMDR therapy helps process trauma ✅ Anxiety, self-worth, and mental health among college students ✅ Why we speak more kindly to others than we do to ourselves ✅ Supporting aging parents through loss of independence ✅ Finding meaning after tragedy This conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone navigating grief, supporting a loved one through loss, struggling with anxiety, or looking for a healthier path toward resilience and emotional well-being. Connect with Geneva 🌐 Victorious Walk Counseling: https://victoriouswalk.com 📱 Instagram: @myvictoriouswalk If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    32 min
  4. 76. Michelle Ly | Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock

    Jun 2

    76. Michelle Ly | Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock

    Michelle Ly wears more hats than most people can imagine. As a Round Rock City Council member, business owner, nonprofit leader, wife, and mother, Michelle has built a life centered around service, leadership, and making a difference in her community. In this episode of Rock Solid, she shares her journey from the daughter of Vietnamese refugees to becoming a respected entrepreneur and one of Round Rock’s most recognizable community leaders. Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Michelle to discuss: • Growing up in Round Rock and why she returned after college • Building Hall Roofing & Construction alongside her husband • Owning The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina • Managing multiple businesses while serving on City Council • The power of servant leadership • Supporting nonprofits and giving back to the community • Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and public service • Her vision for the future of Round Rock • Why she believes leadership starts with showing up and doing the work Michelle also shares how being an introvert has helped her become a better leader, why she believes in leading by example, and how she stays focused on serving others despite the demands on her time. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, community leadership, local business, or the future of Round Rock, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations shaping Round Rock and Central Texas. #RoundRock #MichelleLy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CityCouncil #SmallBusiness #CommunityLeadership #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #RoundRockTexas Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    28 min
  5. 75. Isaac Marquez-Diaz | How Veterans Can Find Great Jobs in Texas

    May 26

    75. Isaac Marquez-Diaz | How Veterans Can Find Great Jobs in Texas

    What makes veterans some of the best employees a business can hire? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission, to discuss how veterans transition into civilian careers, why businesses should actively recruit veteran talent, and the free workforce resources available to employers across Texas. Isaac shares his personal journey from military service and law enforcement into helping veterans find meaningful careers. He explains how the Texas Veterans Commission supports both veterans and employers through hiring events, workforce development, internships, job fairs, and tools like WorkInTexas.com. The conversation also dives into: Why veterans excel in leadership and operations rolesCommon challenges veterans face when translating military experience into civilian resumesHow employers can better identify military leadership experienceFree hiring and recruiting support for businessesVeteran internship opportunities through military transition programsHow local businesses can access workforce solutions and hiring eventsThe impact of veteran-focused job fairs across Central TexasIf you’re a business owner looking for reliable talent, or a veteran exploring career opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources.Texas Veterans Commission: https://www.tvc.texas.gov Learn more about Workforce Solutions:https://wfscapitalarea.com Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    24 min
  6. 74. Van Baker | How Pink Zebra Moving Is Disrupting the Moving Industry in Texas

    May 19

    74. Van Baker | How Pink Zebra Moving Is Disrupting the Moving Industry in Texas

    What happens when a Google finance professional decides corporate life isn’t enough anymore? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Van Baker, owner of Pink Zebra Moving in Round Rock, Texas. Van shares his journey from working in data center finance at Google to launching one of the fastest-growing moving companies in Central Texas. They dive into: Why Van chose entrepreneurship after corporate lifeThe pros and cons of franchisingWhat makes Pink Zebra Moving differentHow customer experience drives word-of-mouth growthMoving tips that can save you stress and moneyWhy “fun” and moving can actually go togetherIf you’ve ever thought about starting a business, buying a franchise, or improving customer experience in your company, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 📍 Learn more about Pink Zebra Moving Round Rock📍 Serving Round Rock, Pflugerville, Austin, and surrounding areas Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    26 min
  7. 73. Hunter Leatherman - The Future of Round Rock Business & Leadership

    May 12

    73. Hunter Leatherman - The Future of Round Rock Business & Leadership

    Round Rock native Hunter Leatherman joins Bryan Eisenberg on Rock Solid to share his journey from working as a bat boy for the Round Rock Express to becoming Vice President at Frontier Bank. In this episode, Hunter reflects on growing up in Round Rock during its explosive growth, learning the value of community from his banker parents, and why local relationships still matter in today’s business world. He also shares lessons from professional baseball clubhouses, the importance of servant leadership, and why community banking plays such a critical role in helping local businesses thrive. Bryan and Hunter discuss: The transformation of Round Rock over the last 20+ yearsWhy local banks invest differently than national banksLessons learned from working around professional athletesBuilding relationships before you need helpLeadership, teamwork, and serving the communityThe impact of businesses like Kalahari and the Round Rock ExpressRaising the next generation in Round RockIf you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, local business, and the future of Round Rock, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hometown perspective. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    25 min
  8. 72. Candyce Hunt | The Career Mistake Costing You THOUSANDS

    May 5

    72. Candyce Hunt | The Career Mistake Costing You THOUSANDS

    In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with career strategist Candyce Hunt to uncover a powerful truth: many professionals are unknowingly undervaluing themselves—and it’s costing them more than just money. Candyce shares her shocking “$85K vs $175K” salary story that sparked her mission to help others “get off the clearance rack” and recognize their true worth. From navigating burnout to understanding your value in the age of AI, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. You’ll learn: How to identify if you’re being undervalued in your careerThe mindset shift needed to demand your true worthWhy burnout is more dangerous than you thinkHow AI is changing the workforce—and how to stay relevantThe power of small, consistent actions for long-term successIf you’ve ever questioned your salary, felt stuck in your career, or struggled with burnout—this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Candyce Hunt:Search “Five Minute Career Hack” on YouTube or visit her website for tools to elevate your confidence, career, and compensation. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    29 min
See All (79)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

Information

You Might Also Like